Midfielders
Central Midfielder – Maniche
Maniche might not be considered one of the greatest central midfielders of all time, with Paolo Sousa considered the better player overall. However, Sousa’s bad luck in international tournaments means that he misses out, with Maniche the obvious candidate to take his place in the lineup.
Indeed, Maniche was perhaps the best Portuguese player in their run to the 2004 Euro final, with the combative midfielder picking up a habit of scoring when it counted. A crucial goal against Russia in the group stages was followed by him burying his penalty against England in the quarterfinals, while also scoring the winner in the semifinals against the Netherlands, all while harrying opposition players in midfield.
Central Midfielder – Deco
It is a testament to Deco’s quality that when he was first considered for the Portugal national team, he wasn’t even wanted but he is now considered one of the nation’s most treasured footballing sons. The former Barcelona midfielder is a naturalised Brazilian, and began his Portugal career in memorable fashion, scoring a free-kick winner on debut, ironically against Brazil.
Deco’s creative powers were on full display in Euro 2004, with the then FC Porto midfielder exhibiting his bag of tricks and great passing vision while notching up two assists for Portugal in the tournament. Deco was similarly influential in Euro 2008, grabbing a goal as he propelled the Seleção das Quinas to a quarterfinal place, before finally announcing his international retirement in 2010, ending his Portugal career with 75 caps and 5 goals.
Central Midfielder - Rui Costa
Rui Costa is an automatic pick for the creative role of this lineup, as the Portugal legend is considered one of the greatest players to have ever come from the Iberian peninsula. Rui Costa made 94 appearances for Portugal over the course of 10 years, scoring 26 times for his country, yet he was known for his assisting capabilities and fantastic vision.
Costa was a part of Portugal’s golden generation, the sides that made it to the latter stages of Euro 1996, 2000 and 2004. It was the loss in the finals to Greece in Euro 2004 that remains one of Rui Costa’s worst memories, especially since he had a great hand in dragging his nation to the finals, which included a wondergoal against England in the quarterfinals.
